LRN PM Newscall March 9

The average price for a gallon of gas in Louisiana finally exceeds $4 and sets a new record high of $4.04. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Some anniversaries are celebrated, others are commemorated. David Grubb has more as the state marks two years since the arrival of COVID.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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Despite pleas from Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, there is no further Louisiana disaster recovery funding in a government funding bill that the U-S House is set to approve today. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing

Cut 3 (12) “…other countries.”

Louisiana has already received 600-million dollars in community block grant funding for the hurricanes that hit in 2020 and 2021, but Governor John Bel Edwards says the need is much greater, especially in southwest Louisiana. Congressman Graves concurs…:

Cut 4 (11) “..it’s not”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins informed the House and Senate Appropriations committee that there’s at least a 300-million shortfall in federal funding for housing needs. Senator Bill Cassidy says many of his colleagues believe Lousiana does not need additional federal assistance…

Cut 5 (09) “…surplus.” (2x)

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Louisiana set a new record at the pump today with the statewide average of $4.04 for a gallon of regular gas. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says he’s afraid this is just the beginning when it comes to breaking records for prices at the pump.

 Cut 6 (10) “…to climb.” 

It was just last week when Redman said motorists should budget for gas prices to exceed $4.00 a gallon. He says it’s also too soon to predict how the ban on Russian oil will impact prices.

Cut 7 (09) “…for sure.” 

In the meantime, though Redman recommends trying to minimize errands to save gas and check your tire pressure, so your vehicle is more fuel-efficient.

 Cut 8 (06) “…properly inflated.” 

Also, remove any dead weight from your vehicle, like golf clubs or anything else that’s adding weight to your car.

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Today marks two years since Louisiana reported its first positive COVID case. March 9, 2020 was the start of the pandemic here. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says there have been tremendous challenges and losses over the past 24 months.

Cut 9 (11) “…people nationwide.”

Kanter says it’s important to keep those sacrifices in mind as we move past the worst of this.  He’s also been in awe of the resilience of medical professionals and the amazing work they’ve done to save lives and combat the virus.

Cut 10 (11)  “…we need to.”

COVID is here to stay in one form or another, says Kanter. But he believes as the science advances and more people are vaccinated, it can become less disruptive, more treatable, and most importantly, more preventable.

Cut 11 (10)  “…die from COVID.”  

Overall there have been more than 1.2 million reported cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana, including 16,832 deaths due to the virus.

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With gas prices at all-time highs, many are calling for an increase in oil production. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says the U-S would need oil from both Mexico and Canada in order to become energy independent as a continent. But he says President Biden would need to make it happen.

Cut 12 (10) “…using now.”  

The U-S Energy Information Administration reports there are just over 600 crude oil and natural gas rigs operating. The highest it’s been since March 2020. Moncla says getting dormant rigs working again requires a large investment

Cut 13 (12) “…invest in it.”

Moncla says new wells are coming on, but staffing the rig is also a challenge…

Cut 14 (08)  “…right now”